Neymar Jr. is returning to Santos, the club where his football journey began, after more than a decade in Europe and a brief stint in Saudi Arabia. At 32, the Brazilian forward has decided to go back to his roots. In an emotional announcement, Neymar stated, “Only Santos can provide me with the love I need” to revitalize his career and prepare for the 2026 World Cup. This return comes after a challenging period at Al-Hilal.
Since his early days, Neymar has dazzled with his footballing talent, and comparisons between him and Pelé were inevitable. Recently, Neymar became Brazil’s all-time top scorer, surpassing the legendary Pelé. However, Neymar has been cautious, stating that breaking this record does not make him the better player. Both share three international titles with Brazil, but Pelé holds the advantage with three World Cups, a tournament in which Neymar has yet to triumph. This comparison has sparked debates among fans and analysts about the impact and legacy of each player in Brazilian and global football.
EUROPEAN JOURNEY AND SAUDI ARABIA STINT
Neymar began his career at Santos, quickly making a name for himself and capturing the football world’s attention. In 2013, he made the leap to Europe by joining Barcelona, where he became part of one of the most fearsome attacking trios alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. During his time at Barcelona (2013-2017), Neymar won numerous titles, including the Champions League and multiple league championships. His spectacular playing style and goal-scoring ability turned him into a global star. However, despite his collective success, Neymar faced criticism for his off-field lifestyle and for not fully meeting the high expectations placed on him as one of the world’s best players.
After four successful years at Barcelona, Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a record transfer fee. There, he continued to win titles, but his career was marred by injuries and controversies. While at PSG, he secured multiple trophies, yet the pressure to lead the team to European glory was overwhelming. In 2023, he decided to try his luck in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal; however, his stint was short-lived due to a severe injury sustained during a World Cup qualifier with Brazil. This setback marked a low point in his career and raised doubts about his professional future.
RETURN TO SANTOS
Neymar’s return to Santos is significant not only because of his personal history with the club but also due to the team’s current situation. Santos has been struggling financially after being relegated to the second division and only recently returning to the top tier. Neymar’s arrival is expected not only to reignite his career but also to bring media attention and sponsorship deals to the club. His comeback is seen as a way to give back to the team that shaped him and where he first achieved professional success. Moreover, his return could inspire young local talents who see Neymar as a role model.
Eu vou, mas eu volto. #ThePrinceIsBack pic.twitter.com/2uTxDgYk1M
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) January 31, 2025
In this new chapter, Neymar hopes to regain his physical form and reestablish himself as a key figure in Brazilian football. His return is seen as an opportunity to rewrite his story in the place where it all began. Fans eagerly await the chance to see “Menino Ney” shine once again on the pitch where he left an unforgettable mark over a decade ago. With his sights set on the future and a renewed motivation to represent Santos once more, Neymar has the opportunity not only to revitalize his career but also to contribute to the club’s resurgence in the highly competitive world of Brazilian football.